A bespoke four bedroom timber framed family home in rural Essex, replacing a tired bungalow on the site with contemporary architecture built for practical, energy efficient family living.

Project Overview

The site set the terms of the project. Established trees surround the property and the ground conditions ruled out a standard approach, so the engineering had to be resolved before the architecture could be.

The result is a home that sits comfortably within its surroundings while delivering performance a bungalow of this footprint never could.

Scope Of Works

An engineered foundation solution responded to the ground conditions while protecting the surrounding trees; avoiding the need for piling delivered a significant cost saving without compromising the design.

The bespoke timber frame by Anson Timberworks carries charred Thermowood cladding and triple-glazed alu-clad windows by Velfac, with exposed glulam trusses defining the vaulted kitchen and dining space.

A low energy approach ran through the design: underfloor heating, a mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR) system and high-performance glazing, with playful details such as the children’s hammock nets.

Our Role

Delivered by the MATTR team whilst at a previous contractor, this project reflects the technical problem solving and standard of delivery that continues to define our approach.

If you’re planning a new build on a site with awkward ground conditions or protected trees, get in touch.